Symptoms

Chronic neck pain may also cause you to have neck stiffness. Pain may be worse when moving your neck. The pain can be any type of pain including burning, sharp, dull, and tingling. The pain may spread to other parts of the body such as the shoulders and arms.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. Orthopedists specialize in bones and joints. A neurologist or neurosurgeon specializes in the nerves and spinal cord.

Other Treatments

Low-level laser therapy— a light source is directed on the painful area

Electrotherapy treatments, such as repetitive magnetic stimulation, and nerve and muscle stimulation

Chiropractic care

Acupuncture

Intermittent traction (pulling on the neck)

Massage

Surgery

Most cases of neck pain are treated medically. In some cases surgery is needed. The type of surgery will depend on the cause of pain. For example, if you have a herniated disc in your neck, surgery will
remove the damaged part of the disc.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of neck pain:

Maintain good posture.

Take breaks from activities that do not involve movement such as driving or working at a computer.

Avoid sleeping with too many pillows.

Get plenty of exercise.

Make sure your desk chair and keyboard are at proper heights.

Avoid cradling the phone in your neck.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

What a pain in the neck! American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation website. Available at:
http://www.aapmr.org/patients/conditions/msk/spine/Pages/Prevent-Neck-Pain.aspx. Accessed September 3, 2015.